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THRILLING SKETCH 



OF THE LIFE OF THE 





i (IKAB TUB 




ALIAS, WM. CHUBBEE, 



Son of the Head Chief Mosholeh TabbeSj of the 
Choctaw Nation of Indians. 



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BY 



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EV. L. L 



. Xj. i 



AUTrtGK OF ^'PEKCILLl>'<5S LPCN THE RIO GRANDE,' Arc; 



NEW YO^S, 
184i. ^^^' 




.CsTs-i 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, In the year 
1848, by Okah Tubbee, alias Wjliiam Chubbee, In the Clerk's 
Office of the District Court of the United States, for the South- 
ern District of New York. 



,' • 



AN ESSAY 

UPON THE mOIAiV CHARACTER. 



In contemplating the Indian character, there is an interest 
» thrown around it, which cannot fail to impress the mind of every 
inquiring person, although the Indian race is fading away ; their 
palmy dii/s being gone; yet there is a charm thrown around 
their past history, and the most lively emotions are created in 
the mind of the Patriot and Philanthropist in contemplating 
their past and present history, and are led to look upon thehifrh 
and lofty bearing of the red man, with the most intense admi- 
ration. Ttiere was a period in the history of the aborigines ot 
North America, when they reigned as supreme lords over this 
vabt continent. The Yonkoo tribe had undisputed sway over 
the New England country, which means literally conqueror. 
The term Yankee comes from the tribe of Indians styled Yon- 
koo — when the English conquered them after a long and bloody 
contest; when blood had flown in crimson currents, and the 
shrieks of many an innocent and massacred female rent the ai'r, 
and the red man's tomahawk was wreaking in the blood of its 
victim. x\t length they were subdued, when the War Chief, a 
proud and noble fellow, stepped forth and presented his toma- 
hawk to the officer in command of the English forces, saying 
me yonkoo or conqueror, but now you yonkoo, hence the term has 
been twisted about until it has become yankee — the English 
called the six States named New Hampshire, Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, New England, in con- 
tradistinction to Old England ; we Americans call the New 
Englanders Yankees, but on the other side of the ocean, alJ 
Americans are called Yankees, Odium sometimes is 
attached to the term Yankee, yet candid and unprejudiced minds 
are willino- to admit that the Yankees are a thorough going go- 
a-head people. The Massachusetts tribe inhabited what is now 
called the State of Massachusetts, the name being derived from 
the tribe. All the States do not derive their names from ths 



Indian tribes, Termont is an exception from the Latin words, verj^ 
mons, meaning verdure or green, and mount, meaning mountain, 
hence the name of the State A^'crmont, or green mountain, the 
State of New York, so called from the Duke of York, and called 
New York to distinguish it from okl York. Pennsylvania, mean- 
ing Penn's woods ; Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, 
Mis.^ouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Dakotah, Min.' 
esotah, and Nebrasc^h, and Oregon, all are Indian names. 
Louisiasa, derives its name from Louis a former monarch of 
France ; the Carolinas, from Queen Caroline ; Virginia, from 
one who bore that name in the old world ; Georgia, derived its 
name from a king. It would be interesting^- and useful to trace 
this feature of the subject further, but time will not permit me 
at present, hereafter we will resunie the subject. All Indian 
names are beautifully signilicant—take a few merely for the sake 
of illustration. Okah Tubbee, which means Big Chief, not 
only referring to a great and enlarged mind but to a powerful tribe, 
a Chief of the Choctaw nation. Mississippi father, hence the 
Choctaw of the Mississippi, hence the Mississippi is called the 
father of waters—how significant one of the largest rivers upon 
the face of the globe, taking its rise in the rocky mountains, 
continuing its onward course through an immense valiey, widen- 
ing and deepening in its onward course, bearing- on its broad 
bosom a world of commerce, wealth and enterprize, with six 
thousand trading and two thousand steam boats, until it disem- 
bogues into the gulph of Mexico, moistening and fertalizino- 
the soil of three t ^rritories and ten states. Laah, Ceil, Mane^ 
toi, Elaah, or the Great Spirit's gift, a Princess of the Mohawk 
tribe. Oietepu, the beautifwl Prarie-Bird. We will pursue this 
subject also hereafter. 

It is difficult to arrive at a correct conclusion as to the origin 
of the Indian race ; it is supposed by historians sacred and pro- 
fane, ancient and modern, that all the races which have been, 
and are now upon the earth are derived from Noah, that from 
Shorn, Ham and Japheth sprang white, red, and black men, and 
from them the great variety of nations, kindreds and tongues. 
Some suppose that the Indians are descended from some of the 
lost tribes of Jews, that they pursued a northern course as far 
as Behrring Straits and constructed some kind of floatinq- raft, 
and crossed over where it is only about nineteen miles to one 
Island, and about nineteen to another, and took possession of 
the country before it was discovered by Americus Vespucius, or 
Christopher Columbus ,• indeed, there is strong evidence to sup- 
port this vi«w, from tradition, and a similarity of features, 



^c. There is another fact worthy of consideration— the 
great number of mounds and tumuli, found in varioiia part§ 
of the United Slates and Mexico, and Central America, there ia 
every evidence of their having been constructed by a rsce in 
possession of art and science. Antiquarians have given care- 
ful research and enlarged dissertations upon them ; whatever po- 
sition the IndicUi may have occupied in past ages, one fact we 
must admit, they were the rightful owners of the soil, when the 
transatlantics found them here., and that they then roamed un- 
molested over these vast domains ; they dwelt secure in their 
own leafy bowers, they smoked their pipes in their own wig- 
wam s, the young Indians chased the wild deer and skimmed the 
light canoes over the murmuring streams and silvery lakes j the 
young Indian girl entwined the wreath around her raven tregses, 
as beautiful as her own lovely form, but they are melting away, 
driven away from their own lovely bowers. Nation af.er nation, 
and tribe after tribe, are passing away. 

Philip, Logan, Blackhawk, Powahatan Keokuck, and other 
noble warriors, have bowed themselves under the crushing weight 
of misfortunes ; disease has spread like a pestilence vhrough 
the tribes ; v/ar has swept like a dessolating ravager through 
their lands, and a foe like a hydra monster has swept on its fiery 
course, carrying its millions to the grave. What a melancholy 
picture is presented in bold relief to the mind of the phi^ 
lanthropist ; how scenes of the most thrilling interest come 
looming upon the vision. Behold a mother bidding a final 
farewell to the place of her nativity, to the spot where the light 
of heaven first fell upon her infant eyes, what tender emotions 
rush upon her memory, scenes of other days cluster around 
her, and that which is indearing, the tombs of her ances- 
tors ; view her standing upon the last i^reen hill pressmg 
her little one to her bosom, covering its little face with her 
burning tears ; she moves on a few steps, and then for the last 
time bids her long and much loved home farewell forever, and 
often in her migrations to the far west, does scenes of the past 
crowd upon her memory. At last, with a little remnant of a 
tribe, they arrive to the place of their new home, and finally, 
broken hearted they sink into the tomb. The white man often 
in his undue thirst for more land, and a want of reflection, 
ploughs up the very bones of their children, and scatter them to 
the four winds of heaven. But I will not pursue this painful 
subject. There are features in the Indian character vyhich we 
invite your attention to. An Indian never forgets an injury or 
an act of kindness, and there are instances on record where In- 



dians have cherished for years feelings of revenge, and have 
finally avenged the injury ; they are strict in carrying out their 
own laws. An Indian once in a fit of anger comnriitted murder, 
and gave himself up immediately, but asked for time to enable 
him to raise corn, and provide venison for his family, which was 
allowed him ; at the end of six months, he came and told the 
friends of the person whose friend he had killed, that he had 
provided for his family, and as he had broken the laws of the 
Great Spirit, and of his nation, he must suffer the penalty, and 
he was ready to die. The brother of the wife of the deceased 
arose, and deliberately clove his skull through with his toma- 
hawk. They often return good for evil. An instance is related 
where an Indian applied to a white man for food and shelter, as 
he tiad been hunting all day and killed no game, and he was very 
hungry and tired, but the white man in angry tone bid tlie In- 
dian dog to begone. Sometime after this, the white man went 
out on a hunting excursion, but after hunting all day was unsuc- 
cessful, and losing his way, being weary and hungry, he was 
about to give up in despair, but seeing the smoke of a wigwam, 
he hastened to it, but what was his surprise when entering the 
lodge to find the very Indian he had driven away and hungry 
from his own lodge — he expected immediate death, but ihe In- 
dian bid him welcome, with the utmost kindness and his squaw 
prepared him food ; he eat and drank, and then he lay down and 
slept free from all harm. In the morning the Indian gave him 
his gun, and accompanied him on his journey. Arriving near 
the whife settlement, and pointing through the wood told him 
there was the white man's home. His wife and children were 
weeping and with anxious solicitude were awaiting his return. 
*' You remember poor Indian hungry aad tired, ask you give some 
food, and lie down and sleep in your wigwarm ; you say no be- 
gone you Indian — you come by and by to Indian lodge, you tired 
and hungry^ you think Indian kill you, but no, Indian say no, 
you have wife and children who love you, me look on my 
squaw and papoose, me love em too, me say no me kill white 
man, and make sorrow and sadness come to his house — you are 
free, go white man, go to your home, make your wife and chil- 
dren happy, and dont forget poor Indian, how much he sutler, 
how the white man have wronged him." 

Noble son of the forest, what lofty and sublime principles oc-- 
cupy his heart ; how magnanimous his mind to prove himself 
superior to the white man in returning good for evil. I remem- 
ber an instance which occurred in the days of my childhood, 
which is fresh in my memory. An Indian woman came to the 



house of my parents, and being very sick asked permission to 
remain a few days, which was cheerfully granted. On recover- 
ing she left us, returning her thanks. Some months after she 
returned, bringinor with her a number of beautiful baskets whi 'h 
she had made with her own hands, and a quantity of home-made 
sugar which she gave to my mother— my mother went to pay her 
an equivolent, which the Indian woii-ian positively refused, saying 
'' me sick squaw, you good to squaw, me never forget white 
squaw for her kindness to poor indian squaw." 



BIOGRAPHY. 



Mosholeh Chubbee, the father of the subject of this Memorr. 
was a Chief ot the Choctaws, who inhabited a scope of country 
on the Yazoo River, about one hundred miles west of the Mis- 
sissippi River. Of this tribe we will briefly allude to their pre- 
sent situation, after allsding to a treaty between the eastern and 
western Indiana. 



THE COVENANT 

Between the Six JWdions and ihe Clwitaws, 



The Covenant, readily received, and Mclntosli with the Six 
Nations, also at the same time, the wise men ot" the Choctaws 
and Six Nations, went over the river to propose the Covenant. 
To the Osages they said they could not treat with them, hut 
would call the young men together, and all that would might 
take the Covenant. They then left them and returned to the 
Choctaw Nation, as the Six nations had not finished their road 
any farther, they left the Covenant with the Choctavvs, aiid told 
them they would return in a few days. They left them the 
word, also the token, which was Wampum, 

In a few days they returned back to the Choctaws, and together 
went to treat with the Osages, sending six men before them (to 
the Osage Nation,) to remind them of the talk. Some 
of them were of the Six Nations, some Choctaws, Chief Chub- 
bee was one. When they came near, knowinji; them to be war- 
like, they sent in a pan of their men ; the Osages said, in so 
many suns selling, and so many suns rising, their Chiefs and 
young men would be ready to meet them mCouncii. Agreeible 
to the request of the Osages they returned, and found ihe Os-ages 
prepared for defence, with a kind of brush fort, ditched, about 
inside and outside, piqueted with brush and poles, they wished to 
get the Osages word, and would not be repulsed by their war- 
like appearance. Their word was, that they would not all re. 



10 

ceive their Covenant, yet some of them had been weak enough 
to do so, and had hung the tokens in their ears. They are 
sober men, but we are not, but choose to stand by ourselves. 
The Choctaws and Six Nations were friends — their errand was 
peace, and they asked will you not receive our Covenant? The 
Osages were very indeppndent, and said they vould not wil- 
iingiy, but told them as they were their grandfathers, they must 
make them do so, as children had sometimes to be whipped into 
obedience. The Chiets that were treating with them, bade 
them recollect their grandfaiher was' like a Bear, whenever he 
laid his toe-nail down, he was always sure to gain the ground. 
They told them they would come back in a fe>v days in peace, 
as they should now return to the Choctaws, and when ihey re- 
turned to them again, if they received not the peace, they would 
cause them to do so by chasiisement. They likewise so done. 
After they were whipped, they wandered off between the two 
rivers, supposed to be the Mississip})! and Missouri, but their 
grandfaiher follov/ed them there, and then made them receive 
the Covenant of Peace. The Chiefs of the Six Nations were 
not willing to leave the Covenant with them, all hough they had 
made their road this far, and the emblems thereof were worked 
on the Wampum, but chose to carry it back and leave it with 
the Choctaws, called in their original tongue, Oijcdaw, signifying 
a large Nation The Mississippi River, they called Oyatawgah, 
because of its size, and having many snags. Now this people, 
called by them Oyataw. The Cherokee Nation claimed to be 
the same who treated with the Six Nations at this lime, but the 
grandfather says it was the Choctaw, and that they knew no dit- 
ferenee then between the Cherokees and Choctaws ; but finding 
them all living on this great river, named them after it as one 
great nation, the Oyataw, But ihey named the Chociaws many 
days afterwards, acknowledging the same men to have been 
then- Chiefs. Farthermore, let the Council be examined ; here 
we find the Oherokees have not got the Covenant of Peace left 
by the Chiefs of the North ; neither the speeches, signitications, 
or articles, belonging thereunto, but a very lew, neither do they 
explain or seem to know the use of these illustrations. Thus 
we aie left to judge that they never really belonged to that por- 
tion of the Oyataw, but they have been separated away by their 
Chiefs and called Cherokees. But the Six Nations knew theui 
in these days, the Oyataw, Om JYation. Furthermore, this road, 
has not been extended any farther in a proper manner, or any 
thing done as should have been, though the Chiefs have made 
many trials. Except one Covenant of Peace made by George 



11 

Herron, with the Camanches. This was rightly done, the only 
one that has been conducted, after the pattern since the Six Na- 
tions and the Oyataw covenanted, together with the Osa^es. 
Furthermore, let (he old men of the Six Nations treat the Choc- 
taw and Cherokee as seemeth them good ; receive them as two 
nations, search out their Chiefs, wise men, their fathers and their 
families, and let them be received in order in the Covenant, or 
else consider them as one, the former Oyataw, and let the Six 
Nations ascertain and point out those of the families of their 
former Chiefs, namely the Chubbee, the Mcintosh that the 
braves of the Choctaws need no longer say, as they said to me 
in the Cherokee Council, we have no head, no elderly wise 
men ; the Chubbee is gone ; his family, none of them survive 
him to our knowledge. We are babes in the sayings of our fa- 
thers, and request our grandfather of the Six Nations to teach 
us, I ask them for the Pipe of Peace given them by the Chiefs 
of the Six Nations ; described it by saying it was one-half white 
and one side red. It could not at first be found. I thought this 
might throw some light upon the gloom that darkens the hopes, 
even the dying request of the loved, the brave, the lamented, 
Big Chief, or Chubbee, of the Oyataw Nation, respecting the 
youngest son of his, who was with the pale face. Furthermore, 
many evil designing men, have reported that this child was dead, 
others that Chief Chubbee had no such child, and now had no 
heir living. Others said there was such a person, but that his 
origin had never been traced out, and many disputed his being 
the son of their Chief. These statements were made at the last 
Council, v/hen the Choctaws said if they could find him, they 
would serve and love him. At length the Pipe was brought, 
having been found, among the Cherokees — the grandfather knew 
that it was left w.th Chubbee. The pipe was injured ; the 
ArticSes of the Covenant scattered among tho two divisions. 
The braves understood not the talk of their grandfather, but their 
silence and confused faces showed they were children in the af- 
fairs of their nation, and they again requested to be taught; but 
the grandfather being grieved at heart, determined to seek out 
the last one — the child of their worthy Chief, and divert his 
mind from his pale laced friends to his own people, if possible. 
He has succeeded ; he is proud and satisfied, thankful to the 
Great Spirit, that so fine a mind, so much national talent, upright 
principle, is concenttated in the son, the representative of the 
long distinguished line of noble Chiefs, the Chubbee. Grateful 
respects to the pale face friends for their care and attention from 
the grandfather^ whose heart is warm of bein^ pleased with his 

\ . - ' I .' • . ' 1 



prize, as he bears a strong personal reeemblatiCQ io his father, 
except the father was taller and heavy built also. Now may the 
pale lace and the Red rnan dwell peacefully together, is the dG= 
sire, the prayer of the grandfather. 

Respectfully, 

POCHONGEHAHALA, 



There certainly is no race of mankii^d who have so many 
claims upon the attention and adri)itation of the philanthropist 
as that of the Indian ; a liobie race, with high and exalted no= 
lions of honor, hescoins anything which is low and mtsn. How 
melancholy to trace his history from the period when the palo 
face first landed at Plj^ mouth and Jamestown— behold them in 
their native foresS roaming the wild wood alone, unmolested, 
chasing the nimble deer, or in skimming the light canoe overth© 
limpid waters or in smoking the pipe of peace iiroimd the coun- 
cil fire, happy in their own native home, the little birds carded 
their mellow notes beneath the foliage, the young Indian girl as 
innocent and as beautiful as the wild fiowers wtiich wove and 
entwined around her young brow, and adorned her lovely tresses, 
and the young warriors, bedecked in gaudy attire, vv^ent forth to 
battle, with a consciousness of being the descendant from a no- 
ble race, while the mighty Chiefs held their talks, and poured 
forth some of the mo^t lofty and sublime strains of eloquence 
which ever fell from the lips of mortals. But the White man 
came and drove the Red man from his native home— tribe after 
tribe have been driven away step by step, until they have dwin- 
dled down to a few scattered and pealed people. Look at 
ihem leaving their hunting grounds, council fires, and the bones 
of their sues and matrons— see the fond m.other pres^it.g her Jit. 
tie one tenderly and affectionately to her bosom, and kissing off 
the little tear from the soft velvet cheek— how she lin^er^ upon 
tlie last green hill, and how the affections clings to th?ir ahars 
But they are gone— they are melting away, and when they shall 
ah have crossed over the mighty waters of the MississJopi and 
the immoveable barriers, the Rocky B^.ountain^-., where vviUthev 
then find a resting place ? 

The following view of the present condition of (he Choctaw 
Indians, (1846) written by a highly respected and devoted Mis- 
sionary and Teacher at Fort Coffee Academy, Iowa Territory, 
Kev W. ,G. Montgomery, will show that the Indian is not the 



13 



degraded being that some would have hirn to be, but that he has 
been endowed with a mind as sus-ceptible of improvement as the 
pale face. 

The Choctaws have a pleasant, and for many considerations, 
an interesting country, lying between hititude 32 deg. and 35 
deg. north. On the north, it is bounded by tlie Arkan&as River, 
It being the Jine between them and the Cherokces ; on the south 
Red River separates them from the State of Texas, on the east 
they are bounded by the State of Arkansas, on the west by the 
Creek and Seminole Indians. They have perhaps more territo- 
ry than half the State of Kentucky. Some portions are very 
fertile, especially the botlom and low lands on the rivers and 
creeks. There are a good many extensive praiiies, some ot 
thern are. rich, others are too sandy to be productive. On the 
low lands there are extensive cane brakes arid a botlom grass, 
which keeps green through the winter. 

The Porto, Cliamahu and Canadian Rivers, with many 
other smaller rivers and cieeks, are l.iI tributaries ot Red River, 
and Arkansas, and take their rise in, and iiow their whole length 
through the Choctaw counlry. Steamboats go up the Arkansas 
River more than a thousand miles, pas&iug several bundled 
miles into ihe Indian countrj'. There is high water in tiiis rivf:r 
always in the months of June and July. There is n)uch min= 
era! wealth from ore, f^ione Goal, and salt springs, in their country. 

The Climate. — The winters are mild, the summers are very 
warm, and jrequently dry. Cotton and corn grovv here 
m abundance. That migratory di.>^position so characteristic of 
the Indian tribes, has in a great measure left the Choctavvs, and 
they wi^h to be slationary. They do not wish to remove to any 
other country — they are now improving their lands, building 
houses, and planting vineyards. Many of tiiese farmers have 
trom ten, twenty, fifty, to one hundred acres in corn, and large 
fields of cotton. There are few, comparatively speaking, who 
hve by huntinij. The ikifialo are gone, there are Bear and 
Deer, and many oth«r kinds of wild game. During the winter 
season the whole creation seems alive with the varioiis tribes of 
birds; the forests and prairies are made to resound with the 
melody of their notes, and the viver and ponds and lakes, are 
covered with water fowls of various kinds ; cattle, horses and 
hogs are raised in great abundance! lie ^^ays, '■ 1 saw very few 
sheep among them. It is not uncommon for an Indian man to 
have 560 head of cattle ; I frequently saw fifty and one hundred 
and sixty mdk cows belonging to one iiian, the cows and calves 
are kept gentle by the following course : the calves are put into 



14 

a pen or lot of an acre or more, on the edge of a prairie and are 
kept in there during the day, and at night the cows are put into 
the same pen, the calves are turned out into the prairie, where 
they feed around during the night, and in the morning they 
are about the fence waiting to be let in the pen with the cows; 
in the fall they are branded and turned out, and live during the 
winter upon the cane rushes and prairie grass. Their horses 
and cattle are smaller than ours, their horses being most general- 
ly of the pony stock, 

Christianity has done much for this people, and is still doing 
more, they may be said to be redeemed from heathenism, and 
placed upon the high and elevated ground of civilization, the 
arts and sciences being cultivated by them to some considerable 
extent. They have a well drawn up, and printed Constitution ; 
republican in its character ; the elective franchise committed to 
the people ; ihe members of the Council are elected every year ; 
crimes are punished by fines and otherwise; the murderer is 
shot by an officer called the Lighthoiseman. There are Wash- 
ingtonian Temperance Societies among them, and the Tempe- 
rance cause has many advocates. The tribe may be said to be 
temperate — the white man is prohibited by law from selling 
vvh skey among them — the JVew Testament is translated into 
their language, and many other little historical and religious 
tracts, hymn books, &;c. &c. And now the weapons of war 
are beaten into ploughshares, and no longer is the war whoop 
heard, but songs of Zion may be heard from *their cabins and 
houses, and places of worship are built lor the true and living 
God. Oh ! for the salvation of God to all the aborigines of 
the wilderness. By an act of their council, they have set apart 
forever more than six hundred thousand dollars, of'their annuity 
money as a fund, the interest of which is to be appropriated to 
educational jiurposes. There are three National Academies 
now established among them, where twenty thousand dollars is 
expended annually for the education of their youth. The Fort 
Coffu Academy is located on the Arkansas river, and is under 
the control of the M. E. C. S, The Spencer Academy is 
within a few miles of Red River, and under the control of the 
Presbyterian Church, Old School. The Armstrong Academy 
on Chiamechia river, is under the control of the Baptist church. 
The children who enter these Academies are selected by the 
Trustees, two from each Indian family— some of them come 
150 miles, without names, in their Indian costume— they are 
expected to remain four years, during which time they complete 
the following English branches of education : Reading, writing, 



15 

arithmetic, grammar and geography, and learn to talk the Eng- 
lish language. 1'he senior class then enters upon the t-tudy of 
ancient languages and the higher hranches of English. Alter 
going' through a prefacatory course, some members of this class 
will be sent to the best colleges and universities in Unityd States, 
where they will remain until they graduate. Eac\i of the afore- 
said Academies is expected to take under its care 100 students, 
where they are cloihed, boarded and instructed. The buildings 
for the- female de|)urtment ut Fort Collee are frame, and were 
put up at an expense of $3,000. The -bovs are tau;»ht agricul- . 
ture — they spetid three hours a day on itie (arm at work; the 
gills are instructed in sewing, knitting, and the science of house 
wiftry. These Academies are all on the manual labor system. 
There are several other missionary schools among them, (the 
Choctawy) supported entirely by the money of the Mission.-. ry 
Societies, and there are now, atieast oOOof their children going to 
their schools and academies now in successful operation among 
them. Workshops are intended to be established with each of 
the three National Academies, and a part of each day spent in 
learning the difl'erent trades ot mechanism. The population oi' 
this trine is about 30,000. 

[Here commences a true narrative drawn up from his ov/n 
lips m a simple, touching and bjautiful style, which may be relied 
upon as true.] 

The first recollections of my childhood are scenes of sorrow, 
though 1 have an imperfect recollection of a kind lather, who 
was a very large man, with dark red skin, and his head was- 
adorned with leathers of a most beautiful pUmitige. ^ 1 seem to 
have been happy then, and remember the green woods, and tiiat 
he took me out at night, and taught me to look up to ihe slar^, 
and said many things to me that made my young heart swell 
with sweet hope, more than filied with bright thoughts, too hirge 
for it to retain, then he bent over me to say farewell, this scene 
soon changed, for I had a new father, or a man who took me to a 
new home which proves to have been Natchez, ivlississippi ; 
although I have no recollection where this iirtercourse took placo 
with my own father, yet from various circudistances which ha.> 
since occurred, I am led to believe that it must have been upon 
the Yazoo river before the Choctaws removed from their old 
homes. I soon found this was not my old, father neither in ap. 
pearance nor action, and began to understand I could have but 
one father. This man was white, and the slave «voman had the 
management of his house ; she had two children older than 
myself, a boy and a girl ; she was very fond of them, but was 



16 

never even kind to me, yet they obliged me to call her mother. 
I was always made to serve the two children, but many times 
had to be *vhipped into obedience ; if I had permission to go out 
ail hour to play I choose to be alone, that I might weep over my 
situation, but even this consolation was refused me. I was forced 
to go in company with them, taking with me, many times, a 
smarting back, after a promise had been exhorted from me that 1 
would remain with, and obey them ; I soon found myself boxing 
heartily with the boys, both white and black, because they 
called me nigger, and every thing but that which was true, for I 
could not, and would- not, and never will submit to such gross 
insults without defending myself, which is so characteristic of 
the Red man. Her children were well dressed aad neat ; I 
was not only in rags, but many times my proud heart seemed 
crushed within nie, and my cheek crimsoned with shame becau-e 
of their filthy condition, aed 1 often left them ofl in consequence, 
but soon learned to take them off and wash them myself, such 
was my abhorrence to filth. I often wore them unironed. 
When I was compelled to go in a nude state to enable me to 
wash my clothes and they upbraided me for my nakedness, I 
replied where did you ever see or hear of a child being born 
with clothes on. 1 was then a child too young to work, but did 
errands. A very aged man obtained leave of this unnatural 
mother to let me go with him to Shell ing's Lake to fish with 
him. He set me to holding his line, and how to manage it, and 
oh, what a proud moment was this to my little heart, and with 
what ecstasy did I gaze upon the fish as I drew it out of its na-, 
tive element, struggling for life. I was so fortunate as 
to catch one more fish than the old man ; this encou- 
raged me much, a new world sprang before me- 1 then began 
lo crnlrive how ] could possess myself of a hook and line. I 
coiiid imitate many sounds, such as mewing of a cat, the bark- 
ing, howling and growling of a dojj, &c. Some gentlemen 
overhearing me gave me a few pence ; this was my 
first bow in ventriloquism, imitation, music, &c., and the first 
compensation 1 received, not dreaming for a moment that I 
should ever stand before such large and respectacle audiences 
which i have since had the honor to appear before, through vari- 
ous portions of iho Uniied States, and so warmly greeted acd 
smiled upon. 1 was so delighted with the money I received I 
could hardly contain myself, not because I loved money, but 
because it secured my wishes. I went twice with the old man, 
after this I went alone and caught twelve or fourteen dozen 
fishes. I took the money home to this unnatural mother and 



17 

asked her to buy me some clothes, for my fish brought me half 
a dollar a dozen ; but she retained the money, and the only 
satisfaction I had, was to be compelled to follow her and the two 
children to the store, and see her expend it for finery foi them, 
and then carry it home, I had however the con-sohilion of 
retaining a trout and perch line with a hook for each, which I hid 
under the pavement with a few pence ; although they were :steel 
hooks, yet they were more valuable than silver or gold to me. 
After this little experiment, when I wished lo erjoy a fi,shing 
«sxcursion, I was obliged to run away ; I laid up money enough 
to purchase a suit of clothes ; my bank was the brick pavement, 
my banker was my fish-hooks and lines, my cashier was my 
own hands, and my associates my own brains. At length [ 
get a lawyer to obtain mo a suit of clothes with my own money, 
but I not only had the mortification of having them taken away 
from me, but given to her little boy, and by way of intcrebfe re- 
ceived a sound flogging, and here 1 remember hearing her for \ 
the first, in her anger, call me an outlandish savage, although I \ 
could not understand it, yet it made a peculiar impression on my 
young mind. At night when I ought to have been sleeping I 
was rolling on my bed watering my pillow with my tears, think- 
ing of the advice of my old, and tried friend, a colored man 
who was a preacher, and truly a good man, who taught me to 
pray and to hope for better nays. When he died 1 lost the only 
true friend, I had in the world, and I was almost inconsolable at 
the loss. Peace to his ashes. Reader, tread lightly over the 
ashes of the dead. 

About this time 1 became acquainted with a family by the 
name of Thomas Munce. By (his time 1 had become quite 
ft whistler, by this method and other means had obtained 
'iuite a sum of money again, and I employed the same lawyer 
who had assisted me on a former occasion, to purcliase another 
suit of clothes, and the lawyer went and told this woman that he 
had presented them to me, and that she must let me wear them. 
She did so, for which I was so thankful that I was v/illing to 
give her anything which I could make by my ingenuity. She 
could not bear to hear me praised, especially above her own . 
children, and I supposed she saw a superiority in rnind over her » 
children, and forbid me receiving any more presents. I then 
hired out to doctors and lawyers to sweep their ofl^iccs, &c. 
Some were kind enough to feed and pay me something ; others 
fed me only, and took me home with them to their families. I 
gave the woman my money, also the presents I received, but the 
more I gave her, the more she exacted from me. Child as I was. 



18 

I could not allov/ mysself to weep by day. If she found my 
pillow wet with my tears, she whipped me for that, and I form- 
ed a habit of going alone at night, and lifting my heart to God 
in prayer, for his preservation, and that my father might leturn. 
When I stood thus alone, in the open air, high hope was in my 
heart, and a feeling of hope within my heart, when I felt thus 
alone before God, with the stars, which in my childish language 
I called the eyes of heaven, gazing down upon me ; here I 
gained fortitude to bear all my wrongs — here I determined to ask 
the white men, whom 1 sometimes saw, about ray own father. I 
had now and then mentioned it to the woman, she always told 
with tongue and heart, begone, outlandish, savage, you never had 
any father. As she was always angry at my inclination to be 
alone about this time, she gave me a severe whipping for climb- 
ing a bluff, which no other boy dared to, and thus spending a 
Sabbath with my thoughts, tears, prayers, and childish aspira- 
tions. This point was called Buzzard Roost. I have since, 
thought she in her anger, forgot herself at this time, for she 
asked me if I did not know that this was the way Indians and 
all wild savages lived, and could not be tamed — that the white 
people could not make as much service of them, as they could 
of the blacks, for they could n©t work for them, but sport their 
lives in wandering about in the woods, both day and night, living 
with the wild beasts. Now 1 loved wild beast, and my heart 
was swelling within me; I forgot her evil blows with clasped 
hands, and tearful eyes, my heart kindling with the most intense 
emotion at lier recital. I cried out, Oh ! tell me more, lell me 
more. She looked at me, said something about the strange wild 
light in my eyes — seated herself, and seemed in deep thought. 
She then said something which I did not understand, though I 
listened, for I thought she was going to tell me more. I think 
she said in a soliloquy, what is bred in the bone will be in the 
marrow, consequently, when I hear the remark, my mind resorts 
to this scene of my childhood, with peculiar emotion, and intense 
interest. I accordingly asked the white man where he found 
me, and when my father would come for me. He seemed as- 
tonished to find I had any recollection of a father before I saw 
him. He told me I had been dreaming that he was not my fa- 
ther ; bade ine remember I was this woman's child, and she 
could do as she pleased with me ; bade me never to mention this 
thing to any Oiie, nor speak of it again to him ; but told me 1 
would know more about it when old enough to work. Here I 
gave myself up to despair, and run away and went into the back 
part of the city. I had often been nearly starved, and thought I 



19 

could stand hunger pretty well, and manage to climb up and 
sleep ia an old hay loft; but I became very hungry, and knew 
not what to do, as I was unacquainted here, and wished to re- 
main in secrecy least I should be taken back. My spirits were 
so much broken, that 1 could not enter into my old pranks to <iain 
me friends. 1 sat myself down early in the morniufr, near a fine 
looking house, thinking what I should do. I could not bear to 
beg. There chanced to come to feed their dogs, some of the 
inmates of the house. As soon as their backs were turned, I 
hastened to the spot, and with all the strength I had, begged 
the poor dogs for a morsel of food to prevent me from starving. 
My hunger made it sweet to me. For several days I blept up- 
on my bed of hay at night, and watched the shaking of table 
cloths, and with the dogs picked up the crumbs that was thrown 
from the table of the owners. 1 could not endure this kind of 
life, and began to search for work. I at length hired to assist in 
a brickkiln. I passed a few weeks here as happy as my feelings 
would allow, but a black woman, who knew my pretended mo- 
ther, recognized me, and gave information. I was taken back. 
They had searciied much for me, also advertised tor me. The 
brick maker had heard of the search, but never supposed that it 
referred to me. He had often spoken to me of my red skin, 
saying I resembled Indian boys he had often seen about Natches. 
I then had the privilege of asking what Indian Savages meant, 
and received satistact.ory answers. They told much of thern 
which excited my curiosity; that brought to my mind scenes of 
my earliest recollection. Then they had faded from my mind, 
yet I determined if wy life was spared., I would visit that peo- 
ple. Ho also set belore me the diti'erent grades of society, 
which enabled me to understand why I had often seen this bated 
appellation, while I had been absent. This unnatural mother 
had seen and advertised in a N. 0. paper, which she mistook 
for me, and she had not been home lona: before I was brought 
there also. After her old custom, as usual, she stripped me to 
give me a lashing, but at the sight of my bruised and lacerated 
body, she seemed to have some relentings, and 1 thought was 
moved for a moment even to pity. The reason of my being 
thus managed, was in consequence of refusing to return. They 
beat me and lashed me so unmercifully with a cowhide, that my 
body was black and blue. She then said she wished she had 
never seen me or the man who had brought me there. She 
seemed to have given up all hopes of conquering me, and said 
she ought to tell all she knew and get rid of me, least I should 
do something ia my fits of anger ot an awful nature. She then 



20 

bade me put on my clothes and begone out of her sight, and told 
me to remember that at some future time she should punish me. 
I then went to Major Young of the U. S. Army, who was then 
stationed there, and through his influence I obtained a situation 
with a Physician, Dr. A. P. Merill, who was also a Surgeon m 
the U. S. Army. How long 1 remained with this kind gentle- 
man, my memory does not serve me ; it may have been a year. 
I was one day sent to the office of the Surgeon, upon an errand, 
by gome of the Jadies of the oflicers of the Post. While pas. 
siijg i'wtn the office, a young man who was studying medicine 
mill the Surgeon, raised his window and called me. A lad 
about 16 years of age happened to be near (to who.) This lad 
ivas asking the young Surgeon if I lived there ; when 1 came up, 
he seeing me, said with a sneer of contempt, there comes the 
nigger. Mrs. Munce's family, of whom I have before spoken, 
was very kind to me, and when memory brings up the reminis= 
cences of the past, the scenes of my childhood cluster around 
me, causing my bosom to heave with peculiar emotion, and my 
bosom heaves to and fro like the troubled waves of old ocean, 
and the big b^frning tears often course down my cheeks, and so 
long as memory holds her empire, I cannot forget the kindness 
of this family. This family was blessed with a young daughter 
as beautiful as she was kind and innocent, who manifested much 
sympathy for me. 

This lad, of whom I have spoken, was very fond of Mary, 
and become very jealous of me, consequently he was always 
tantalizing me, and upbraiding me with the epithet of nigger. 
When this lad thus said, yonder comes the nigger, all my Indian 
nature was aroused, and my verj^ blood boiled in every vein, and 
my feelings were so intense that I called upon the Great Spirit, 
and conjured heaven and earth to know where I originated from. 
I picked up a part of a brick, though I scarcely hoped to reach 
him, yet 1 aimed at his head with all my m-ght; it reached him 
just as he happened to turn around, to see what I was doing. It 
cut his lips, and knocked out five of his teeth. The doctor had 
to sew up his lips. His friends made a search to see who was 
around me, and threatened to prosecute them- The Surgeon 
quieted my feelings, saying no harm should befall me. They 
went to my unnatural mother to see what they could do with her. 
My runaway excursion was not yet settled for, and she said she 
could not do any thing about it, and they must take my body. 
She made many complaints about my violent and unconquerable 
temper, and said she had intended to have me imprisoned, and 
there whipped and starved, until my spirit should be tame. 



21 

The white people were straiigorb Lo mc, and the falhors uf many 
other boys that I had boxed for the same insult, took advantage 
of this, and bore testimony against me that 1 was a dangerous 
boy when an{g;ry. They however spoke of my indusstrious hab- 
its and talents favorably, and upon the whole they eoucluded to 
confine me. 1 became alarmed at thi?,", began to beg for pardon, 
with now and then a flogging, with little lo eat. I heard my 
sentence with sullen composure — they asked me it I was not 
sorry ; I told them if their laws and prison had power to keep 
my body, 1 was sure I had power over my own tongue, tbat I 
could not, and would not, talk with them, and when 1 was horry 
it would be before God alone. While 1 was in prison, a white 
man came lo mc, and said he had many things to say to me lo 
which I must listen attentively. He told mc that the woman cal- 
led my mother was a slave, as well as the mother of the two 
children, but she was set free before the birth of these two chiU 
dren, consequently her two children were free, but I was their 
slave. This unloosed niy tongue, and raised every angry passion 
of my nature. I loudly asserted that he had brought me from 
my own home, and had made me a slave ; he bade me be quiet 
until he could tell me all ; he then changed his tone, and told me 
1 had n father, probably a white man, but as he did not come lo 
buy me, I was to come ; I was consequently given over as a 
slave to the children ; he said I must never reveal this, he only 
told it to comfort me, but told me if 1 would promise to bear 
the taunts that would occur ; I told him 1 could not and 
should not (break) make any such promises, for I would be sure 
to break them, and to spare himself the trouble of trying to con- 
sole me, with such base falsehoods. I told him this woman 
when angry called me different names wishing she had never 
seen the wild savage devils, sometimes even calling me a white 
woman's child, which besides her evil treatment, gave me every 
reason to believe she was not my mother. I told him that some 
strange mysteries hung over my birth, and I accused him of 
knowing what it was, and on my knees implored him to unravel 
it to me^if to none other, telling him by so doing he could con-^ 
sole me. He turned coldly from me, while I stretched myself 
on ttie floor in despair, assuring him my blood was free, and pure. 
I crawled around where I could look him in the face, telling him 
he need not fear to rescue me from this place of abuse and dis- 
grace, that every step in my after life, should be to prove it, and 
honor him, but said nothing to reassure me, nor even to speak, 
I then thought he would do nothing for me ; I said, well, I will 
bear it 5 it will lay me in my grave, and there I shall be free. 



22 

He was touched with my earnest importunity ; ^ased upon me a 
moment, then stooped, and raised me from the floor, with his own 
hand and he begged me to be calm, to compose the tumult 
of my feelings, saying it is a pity that you should be wronged 
for tiie love of money, for let your skin be what it may, you have 
a noble heart ; and when I contrast your last appeal to my hu- 
manity, with your language regp.rding your enemies, it reminds 
me of the sun breaking out clear and warm through a dark, thick 
cloud. He promised me he would never wrong me, but strove 
agam to obtain the promise he first wished ; but 1 could not pro- 
mise ; he said he would use his influence to obtain my release ; 
he bid me a kind farewell, wishing me kind friends, and better 
success for the future. I was then left alone for the night, and a 
part of the next day, after which I underwent a severe course 
of punishment, the severest of it being their advice as regarded 
names or epithets that I might receive, telling me I must even 
expect it, and bear it too, from the very fact of the woman known 
as my mother, having been a slave, but as usual I denied her be- 
ing my mother, told ihem ail I knew ot myself before I knew her, 
which was new to them, and some of my enemies were thus 
turned to friends ; they said i( was not reasonable to suppose that 
I was an Indian child, taken when small, for the purpose of 
making me a slave. Some asserted they had heard of such 
' circumstances, and it was easily done, where there was such a 
diversity of color as there is in the South. I was allowed to re- 
main with kind friends, who said if they had known of my troub- 
les they would have interposed, and proved me a good child, 
with the exception of a violent temper, which could not be de- 
nied, but when treated half right, I was industrious, obedient, 
gentle and kind, and was free from many faults that beset boys, 
who had not only the advantage of being white, but whose pa- 
rents moved in the highest circles of society — that my manners 
were manly in the extreme ; and then I had m^ny exalted and 
noble ideas, relative not only to men and things in this world, but 
also entertained the most elevated and exalted views of God and 
his attributes, and as I had received no education, either 
moral, meatal or physical, these thoughts must have been origi» 
nal. This leads me to believe that these ideas must have ema- 
nated from the Good Spirit, and that man is immortal, and shall 
live eternally after he leaves this world. 

I soon accepted an offer from a Mr. Russell, to learn the black- 
smith's trade. He urged me much to come, and promised to 
treat me well, but he failed in the very commencement. I had 
entertained such entire confidence in him that my spirits sank 



23 

within me. I was totally unprepared for his unkind treatment. 
I wept again and again over his cruel conduct to me, and found 
suspicion and jealousy so contrary to my nature, and wliich had 
hitherto been a stranger to me, had taken possession of my heart. 
I was entirely unconscious of other persons suffering the same 
painful emotions, that was gnawing like a canker worm upon my 
heart, crushing down iny young heart ; I was becoming poorer 
in flesh every day, but I still continued s:eadily at my work, fo 
drive away my bad feelings. I do not know how old I was, but 
they raised three steps to raise me high enough to blow the bel- 
lov/s, and strike upon the anvil. Some months had passed in 
this fearful manner, when at length one day Mr. Russell came to 
me, and ordered me to strip for the whip ; in vain I begged to 
know what I had done to merit such usage ; he only answered 
me with angry oaths, so loud that I was dead in silence, and 
obeyed, determ'ning in my mind that this should be the last time 
I would do it. He used a whip known in the South as the over- 
seer's whip. I fell to the floor, after a few of the first blows, 
they were so severe, they seemed to take away my breath, and 
I thought my life ; but I retained my consciousness of it until 
he ceased ; I tried but could not arise, but my cries for help at 
first were so heart rending, that although the shop was closed, 
people healing my cries rushed through the back way and forced 
him to stop ; they raised me up, but I knev.' it not ; I had faint- 
ed ; they took me away, and washed my body, bathed my 
wounds, which brought back a sense of pain, but it was only to 
faint again, while the blood flowed fast. On coming to myself 
again, I vomited freely, but soon fainted again from pain and 
loss of blood. A Physician was called, he seem.ed alarmed at 
my situation, and said it mtght cause my death, the vomiting and 
fainting for twenty. four hours in spite of all their efforts, contin- 
uing. Russell seemed now very much alarmed, but I could 
not bear the sight of him, and would not pei'mit him to come 
near me; he then gave orders to have every thing done possible 
for my recovery. What alarmed him most was that the people 
told him that if I died, in consequence of his cruel treatment, 
that they would put the law in force against him, which would 
be first without any formal trial to tar and feather him, ride him 
on a rail, and then hang him without judge or jury, or the bene- 
fit of clergy. 

My friends watched over me with all the tenderness that they 
would if 1 had been their own child. For the first three weeks I 
was compelled to lie upon my stomach, and when I was com- 
pelled to change my position, I was compelled to rest on my 



24 

knees, so that t have at least been in a humble position once in 
my life, if no nnore, from the force of circumstances, but I feel 
grateful to the Good Spirit that he has given me a heart to bow 
before him, and adore his goodness, and I shall even be thank- 
ful that he raised me up £-uch kind friends, for had he not 1 must 
have died, and now been .sleeping beneath the green sod of the 
valley; the wounds in my back were so deep that you could in 
some places see through iato my stomach. My back was a com- 
plete mass of supuration. It was well known that I was per- 
fectly well on the niornis)^ that this circumstance took place, 
and then to seo me in this situation, it was talked over again 
and again, that the people became so exasperated that ihey told 
Russell that if he did not leave, they would ride him out of the 
town on a rail ; this so alarmed him that he picked up his duds 
and moved away; soon after he died a miserable life, beinoj 
drowned in a ditch, in a fit of intoxication, making my prophe. 
cies true that God would punish him for his savage treatment to 
me, though hand in hand the wicked shii^Ti not go unpunished. 

I was one day walking the streets of New Orleans, when 
Mrs- Russell accosted me, saying how do you do sir ? I think I 
know you, i replied probably you do madam. She then said do 
you remember once telling a man that God would punish him for 
his cruel treatment to you? I answered perfectly well. She 
said my words had proved too true, and said she was his wife ; 
after telling me her husband died, went on to say to me that she 
was in distress, and had not eat any thing in three days, and 
begged me to lend her some money, to buy something to eat, 
and tell her where I lived. I had some $10 in my j3ocket, and 
immediately gave her $5 50 and 26 cents to the child that was 
with her. After this she came to the house where I lived, and 
offered to return my money- but I looked at her feet, and saw 
that she was partly barefooted, and I gave her $2 .50 to buy her 
another pair of sho^s, for v/hich she thanked me very kindly. 
My hv-^art was ful! with sorrow for her ; I could not nor would 
not take any thing from her, but gave her my well wishes, and 
advised her to change her course. She gave me a full history 
of the rascality that had been practiced against me. Upon her 
promising to reform I gave her the rent of my house free for 
three months. She soon became industrious, and by her !a« 
bors was enabled to sustain herself. Having to repair my house, 
Fhft left, and I have not heard from her since. My friends took 
me away from Russell, home with them, where I remained uali 
I revived, and any who offered to take me home with them, Ibe= 
cam« afraid of them. I saw the future in the past, us I visitesl 



25 

iVoni place to place, .imoiig tny frieiiiis, I was secretly devisin'^ a 
plan to visit some ol the Indian tribcg. An oi)poitunity soon 
ofTeicd. 

One day 1 walked down to the river, and found Steam Boats 
from every part of the o^reat valley of the Mississippi. The cap- 
tain of one of them, bound to Red River, who kno(vino- 1 was 
unprotected, without employment, asked how I would lilce a trip 
to Alexandria, saying he thought it would improve my health and 
spirits. I told him if I could pay my expenses I would wladly 
go. 1 was soon on board, and the boat suon under way.° Be- 
fore we reached the place of destination, I frankly told the Cap. 
tain my belief respecting my birth, and that 1 did not wish to re- 
turn, but rather to remain in that country to visit some of 
the Indian villages — he willingly permitted me to stay, ;md pro- 
mised to say nothing on his return respecting my retreat. I 
here felt reassured, and though I had no triends present, it was 
a comfort to knov/ I had no enemies, I soon obtained sundry 
small jobs, which paid for my board, and something beside. I 
did not wish to enter into steady employment, as I inte/jded the 
first opportunity to visit the Indians. 

Perhaps I should have stated, that I had seen Indians frequent- 
ly in Natchez, but soon learned that when any of them came 
to town I was caretully and closely watched. It appears that 
some one always gave the necessary information to whoever I 
lived with, saying 1 had threatened to run away with them. Per- 
mit me to describe my feelings the first time I ever saw Indians. 
I had just stepped out of a door into the street as they were 
coming down the street ; they were walking slow/y, seeming to 
be looking at the buildings; I appeared nailed to t^e spot, my 
heart leaped with joy, yet a choaking sensation amounf/ng to 
pain seized me; confused ideas crowded upon my mind; they 
were near me, yet I moved not, until the keen eyes of one of 
them rested upon me; bespoke, thn eyes of the whole company 
turned upon me, and then upon each other, while as it seemed to 
me ihey uttered an exclamation of surprise ; they came towards 
me, I was wild with delight, I thought I was their chikl, that they 
were seeking for me ; I started and held out my hands, tears 
gushed from my eyes, I addressed them in a language to me un- 
known before, it was neither English, Spanish, or French; 
astonished, they spoke kind to me, smoothing my hair wiih their 
hands ; an explanation now took place as one could speak Eng- 
lish ; he said I had asked in Choctaw for my father, saying that 
he had gone and left me, and I was with bad people ; that I 
begged to know if he was not with them ; they then asked for 



26 

my mother, this pained me ; I told them she was not nny mother; 
they looked at each other, spoke faster and louder, and looked 
very angry ; there had a crowd of children and men and wo- 
men gathered ; the Indians loudly asked where and to whom 
does this child belong? some one answ^ered to a colored woman. 
The clouds seemed to grow darker on their way, yet to me 
sweet fact, the same one said, to a slave woman, and he is a 
slave. The Indian held his hands high above his head and 
said, but while man lie, he no good, him no slave, no niger, no, 
bad white man steal him, his skia is red ; this was repeated in 
imperfect English by them all — me, I love him — the crowd were 
some smoking, laughing, some mocking, angry and cursing— 
the Indians conversed in a low tone together : here some of ihe 
crowd interfered, and separated me from my new, but dear 
friends — while all the time, bad white man lie, he steal him, he 
no niger, him Indian boy, now and then reached my ears. I 
was then torn from them — my feelings towards them 1 cannot 
attempt to explain. 

I now returned to Alexandria. I hear learned that the In- 
dians often visited the village, that they came here and fished 
and sold their fish to the inhabitants, and I determined to make 
their acquaintance here, and so get an invitation to their camps. 
As I still retained a love for the hook and line, it was just in my 
hand. The first Indian I met, assisted me in a friendly manner, 
which I returned, and was soon happy among them, for they 
seemed to regard me as a companion ; they did not even ask 
for or look for other blood in me. I tasked my memory in 
bringing to mind words, often on my tongue though I had no re- 
collection of their meaning. They told me it was tiie Choctaw 
tongue. I was over anxious to gam the friendship of those who 
spoke a little English, and as soon as I was sure of their confi- 
dence, I gave to them a history of my sorrows in part ; it was 
mght, and we were gathered around the camp fire, one of them 
serving as interpreter. I had scarcely began before the pipe 
was laid by, one saying their hearts were sorry, and they could 
not smoke ; the elder ones bent their eyes on the ground, their 
features settled into an immoveable silence, their arms were 
folded upon their breasts ; their very silence said to me, this is 
but another lesson in ihe deceitfulness of the pale face ; the 
eyes of the younger ones were fixed upon me, and their features 
manifested a restlessness, and they manifested signs of revenge; 
they grasped their tomahawks firmly ; my emotion soon pre- 
vented my proceeding ; I showed them my back ; that expres- 
sion, eagh ! eagh ! ! eagh ! ! so significant of high resolves, 



27 

contempt, and indignation, dec, escaped the lips of the older, 
while an angry wail went forth from the young. Their leader 
spoke, when 'all was silent ; their interpreter gave me what fol- 
lows : Palo face always say he friend, poor Indian get money, 
bad pale face get lire-waier, then he friend ; Indian got no 
money, then he got no friend, but he got hunting-ground, pale 
face want it, he fight a little, give little this, and little that, last 
poor Indian take fire-water, he then loses sense, then white man 
get his home, the Great Spirit gave pale face children, houses, 
cattle, but this no enough, he love black slave, Indian skin no 
white, but dark red, so he think Indian make good slave, so he 
try him, but he no make slave, so bad white man steal papoose, 
may be he make good slave, no, no, no, bad white man, he no 
good, he speak with a forked tongue. While he was speakinw 
not a motion was made, or any other sound heard, not a leaf 
trembled; as he ceased my ears were almost deafened Avith the 
loud yells of indignation that burst upon me as they sprang to 
their feet and began dancing around me. This was a scene 
novel to me ; I had roused their feelings for me, but knew not 
how to quell them. It was late before we laid down in our wig- 
wams ,- we rose very early, they said they could not sleep, and 
were sorry for their brother's son, and their fears plainly showed 
me that they were ill at ease. We washed ourselves all over, 
thoroughly ; they gathered around the fire, standing in a circle, 
holding their left hand up to the Great Spirit, said a few words 
in their own tongue deeply serious, wet the fore finger with the 
same hand, dipped it in the ashes, beginning at the corner of the 
eye drew it downwards, imitating the trickling of a tear ; their 
leader then spoke a few words, the others imitating him, at hold- 
ing up the same hand, their eyes fixed on the mornnig sky as 
their words fell from their lips, they looked upon me, as though 
they were reading my heart, instead of searching my featuies I 
did not know how to act, but the interpreter told me they were 
invoking the Great Spirit for me, and expressing sorrow for my 
situation. They then very gravely informed me, that I must 
not fish for them any more, as I had caught more fish than they, 
and they were convinced that the Great Spirit had given him 
this as a gift to supply his wants, and he would be angry with 
them if they accepted of any which I could sell. To this I 
undertook to object, telling them I had some little money and 
was their visitor, and had partaken of their bread, and still they 
answered, we also have partaken of your fish. My interpreter 
here motioned me to be silent ; they believed a supernatural 
power would wphold me, and that these ilifficulties were suffered 



28 

to gather around the path to test my honor ,• that the God of the 
pale face, and the bad aUke, had come before mc, if 1 chose the 
good, the Great Spirit would deliver me ,• I then wished to be 
cheerful, but as long as they let the ashes grow upon their faces 
I scarcely spoke, but when this was taken ofT, 1 felt at liberty, 
and attempted to answer tlieni, by telling anecdotes about myself 
which pleased them so much that they had a great pow, pow 
about it, and they were in perfect ecstacies about them. 

I had stolen away one morning, repaired to the spot where I 
had hidden my fish poles under a flat-bottomed boat, on touching 
the poles I heard tho cry which was like what I had always sup- 
posed to proceed from a niger baby, and which gave me the 
most horrid sensations, though I had never seen one, but had 
often heard white people speak of the peculiarity of their cry, 
not doubting, I stooped down to examine more closely, it seem- 
ed in a sitting posture, leaning forward, looked young, and I felt 
all my former disgust return, 1 touched it with a pole, again it ut- 
tered a hideous cry ; 1 snatched up my poles and returned to the 
lake, I could not but reflect that if it was human it was sensible 
of pain, cold and hunger. I was touched with pity, and re- 
turned, determining to serve it ; but I could not reach it, it 
seemed frightened at me : I relinquished the idea, and went back 
to the lake, I passed several houses in watching, expecting to see 
it emerge from its concealment, on being left alone — about one 
o'clock, a Spaniard come to me, I told him my exploit, spoke of 
its cries, and endeavored to interest him in its favor, he stooped 
down and examined closely.Jand said ah, this Johny Crapo. and 
to my amazement drew forth a large Bull-frog whose head was 
nearly as large as my head : it still kept on crying like a niger 
baby, the Spanish man killed, and dressed it, and sold it to some 
Frenchmen for $3; another one opposite kept hollowing chubbe, 
chubbe, chubbe ; I am coming, I started to go to it, and on the 
way passed two large mockasin snakes, but they did not molest 
me; I killed the frog and sold it for half a dollar; while I was 
fishing, I made a little basket to put my fish in and when I went 
to put my fish in it, a |large mockasin jumped at me, but I 
soon dispatched him ; I was afterwards attacked by two of their 
snakeships who had stretched themselves on a log that had fallen 
across a small river ; they were after my fish, 1 killed one and 
the other escaped from me- — this restored cheerfulness, and the 
leader drerw a moral from this, saying, my enemies took me for 
a niger baby, but it will all come out like the frog story. The 
Spanish man told the joke, and my enemies often tormented me 
with it. 1 then would sit by the side of the lake and watch the 



20 

frogs — I then imitated them in a coarse base voice, the head 
one answed knee deep, and another one call out, fried bacon, 
more rum, another, snatch him, the head frog called out, toler- 
ation, his mate hollowed flam him, and another crawled along on 
a log crying, caty dit — they were so delighted that they entered 
heartily into the ^east and dance. 

T then returned to Alexandria, where I made many friends, 
French, Spanish, and one F.nglish family especiallv, who made 
me acquainted with a gentleman who was very wealthy, who re- 
sided in Mississippi ; claimed me as his cousin, he was relatad 
to the family who became so friendly to me. Mrs. Kitchen, was 
a sister of this gentleman, which would have made us relatives. 
Captain Brown, was going up to N:jtchitoches in a keel boat, he 
engaged me to accompany him, a^ter having proceeded some 
miles up the river, I being on deck, surveying the scenery as we 
passed, having a pair of high heel shoes on made me very clum- 
sy, and 1 fell overboard ; the current was swift here and carried 
me down, as I was not an expert swimmer, I struggled and did 
not exert myself; a young man saw rae sinking and dove in and 
rescued me from drowning ; I came up out of the water, farther 
down the river than he had expected ; he by using all his exer- 
tions saved me as I was sinking the thiid time; I had not until 
this moment had any acquaintance with either the young man, 
or his father, but a brotherly leeling sprang up between us ,• we 
made our trip and returned together, his father living opposite 
Alexandria, I went home with him ,• the yourg man proposed 
that I should assist him at the ferry ,• I worked with them three 
months ; my Indian friends often visited me, and informed me 
that many of the Choctaws living in Mississippi advised me to 
visit them ,• about this time a gentleman living in Natchez 
landed iiere ; recognized me ,* coaxed me to return with 
him, saying I had many friends in Natchez who were anxious 
about me, and which had been much concerned about my ab- 
sence. I found that to visit the Indian country I must return 
by the way of Natchez ; he promised that my unnatural mother 
should have no control over me ; he said I should go to a trade 
and be used well, and I told him that I must make one more 
expedition ; 1 left Alexandria, many friends followed me to the 
boat, sending their best wishes ; I returned to Natchez, having 
been absent nine months ; my friends greeted me with smiles, 
complimenting me with my improvement ; I had not only be- 
come more bulky, but much taller, and my spirits were much 
improved ; I had ©ffers on every hand for employment ; a Mr. 
McCafry, who had ever been my friend, proposed that I should 



30 

finish the blacksmithing with him ,- here I was treated as a mem- 
ber of his family ,• I worked very hard for some months, when 
I had a violent attack of the billions fever, the only sickness I 
ever had in my life ; I was almost unconscious, and suffered 
much for three weeks, I recovered slowly and lingered for some 
time under ihe effects, and the physicians advised me to travel 
•for my recovery; I had some money and insisted on the Doctor 
taking some, and left for a while, starting for Brandon, and 
my money giving out, threw me again upon my own resources. 
One night being tired I stopped at a little cottage where the 
people treated me very kindly, and gave me a poor old horse 
which they had turned out upon the commons ,• I rode him on 
the level road and walked up and down the hills, by this means I was 
enabled to reach Brandon springs where I soon made friends, 
and spent the fall and winter. I had sometimes visited ball 
rooms and acted as a prompter, my voice being strong and 
distinct. I was employed as a prompter — in the spring I re- 
turned to my old employer. 



Mr. Allen— Dear Sir : I am very sorry that I cannot see 
you before I relate what soon followed — William at first said I 
must not write it, for up to this day, he cannot keep down his 
an^er, when he remembers that he was tied when sleeping and 
whipped by a woman after he was a man, the scars she left he 
must take down into the grave— although when released he gave 
her a broomsticking, yet he is ashamed to have it mentioned. I 
think it ought to be, for it was known there — he has consented 
to have it in part, if we both wish — what I write will be but a 
sketch, yet strictly true, if you think best use it. Please cor- 
rect my many mistakes. 

She asked me, if I thought I had ever seen Sally Kelly, be- 



fore 1 saw her. I immediately recollected what Sally had said 
to me when I was between ten and twelve years okl, though I 
had no recollection of seeing her, when so young, yet I led her 
to believe that 1 had. When somewhere about the age named, 
I met a very black woman in the street, she seemed very glad to 
see me, and yet big tears stood in her eyes, she asked mo to 
shake h'Uids wilh hur because she was my first black mamma; 
one black mamma was too many, and I wished to be off, yet her 
words fast chained me there ; she looked about the street and up 
to the windows, I thought to see if any person was looking at 
her, still holding on to my hand, sa'd to herself, (but my ears 
were open) yes, this son of the broad forest Chief was broiight to 
me first, ihough [ was then and am yet very wicked, }et 1 never 
wronged an innocent child, and his bitter lamentations for his 
parents, especially his father, still rings in my ears. 1 had be- 
come impatient to know all she knew of me — she ceased speak- 
ing, but gazing inquiringly into my eyes said, you are young and 
if you should tell they would beat me to death — she said if I 
would not tell until I was grown she would then. tell me all she 
knew of me ; she bade me follow her down the alley and she 
would talk to me. She then said, yes, child, the white man's 
blood possesses no more freedom than yours, yet they have made 
no distinction between you and the negro slave — she then said 
the white man who found me, and her master, were great friends, 
that he had been on one occasion some time t>om home, and or 
returning he brought me there and wished to see her master 
alone ; (she was the only woman there,) so when they were 
alone, she slipped up and listened, for my appearance had ex- 
cited her curiosity, for she had often heard them speak of steal- 
ing Indian children and make slaves of them, and she heard him 
say to her master, yes, I can gtt the shiners for huT), for the old 
Chief is away and will search for him when he returns, and I 
can easily say 1 found him, and he will pay me for my trouble 
and a present besides, and then I shall not have to raise him or 
run the risk of his dying ,- and as his colored woman and himself 
had parted in a quarrel, it was decided that I should be told that 
he hud bought you below, and that I mu^t lea.rn you to talk, as it 
seemed you did n(jt know how to speak with any sense ; my 
master then asked him it you was old Bill Chubby's son, he an- 
swered yes, and they laughing, swore he had made a lucky hit. 
I then left the key-hole and sought the child, who was afraid of 
me and would not speak — they soon told me some tale about you, 
little dreaming that I knew you was to We kept close in the house, 
I was not to take you out rpysell) you seemed very anxious to go 



m 

out, and eat very little, and either ycreamed and cried or sat in 
sullen silence. I often listened to find out any thing concerning 
you, and at length found that your father supposed you had been 
destroyed by wild beasts or stolen by some warlike tribe, he had 
vowed vengeance on whoever had the child. Now came many 
consultations ; he feared to take you home lest he should suffer, 
your father had not thought of your being with the white men, 
he believed they were friends. They now began to talk of keep- 
ing you as a slave ; my own conscience smoie me, and I threw 
cut my hints, thinking to frighten them, but they carelessly told 
me I knew too much, saying they must find the child a mother, 
but I was so black that I would not do ; I was glad of it, and the 
man had long promised to set his woman free, he now oflered 
her freedom if she would say she gave birth to this child, when 
they moved to Natchez, to this she agreed, and he set her free ; 
we all moved to Natchez : she became known as the mother of 
you. She then turned to me and said, now if you can keep this 
until you are a man, I will tell you more, yes you will know it all 
and be free and respected ; I alv/ays knew it and that has kept 
my tongue still, but I could not help telling you I was your mo- 
ther first, and when you are about they are afraid I will tell it all, 
for I always took your part — so good bye, my heart is easier 
now, come and see me and remember what I promise when you 
are grown, so mind your tongue. 

"When alone, I endeavored to stamp her words in my brain, 
saying them over to myself, for fear J should forget them. I 
had not seen Sally for some years, as some stolen goods were 
found 10 be harbored by her, she had to leave the city unexpec- 
tedly and unknown to me, and 1 had heard nothing of her since. 
I had never named her communication with me, and now that I 
was thus questioned I determined to make use of my knowl- 
edge — I accordingly accepted an invitation to come to her house, 
and eat and talked with her, when I told her Sally was my mo- 
ther before she was, she was silent some moments, and then 
said, yes, but we did not think you rememl.ered her, or being 
with her at least. But she refused to tell me where Sally was, 
but she told a story corroborating with Sally's, allegiiig she had 
to do as her master wished. She opened a bureau-drawer and 
showed me a suit of fine clothes that that man left when he 
went away, saying he expected to return when he left, but she 
should keep the clothes tor his son ; she told me her children 
was his. She then said that slavery was not confined to the negro, 
but that any other child the whites could steal that was not white 
was just as much a slave as the negro ; she then said she was 



33 

going to tell me a little more and trust to my own good heart 
to do her justice, I motioned her to proceed, and she said that 
a white man had got me from old 13ill Chubbe, the Chief of 
some tribe of Mississippi Indians, and that because he was so 
big and fat they called him Chubbee ; that he failed to come for 
me ; every thing turned against the man ; he had prepared to 
give her children a part of his fortune, (at this time eatibles were 
brought in, and I drank coffee freely, while she after waiting as 
long as she could added) so ho just gave you to them, and now 
we will do what is right, you are a tine young man about 25 or 
26, I think, though some say, not over 23. While she was 
speaking a painful stupor seemed to come over me, I raised to 
go but she detained me almost forcibly saving, 1 must hear her 
out ; I sat down for I could scarcely stand, and I tried lo rally 
myself, for I feared my feelings had overcome me, my head 
seemed ready to burst, while a dizzy sleepiness took possession 
of me ; the old woman finished by saying, you can make the 
children a I'ew presents and do something for me, and we will 
give you up, and thus stop this quarrel. I told her I would 
never give a farthing as a present, or pay for the frt^edom with 
which I was born I again arose but could not walk or scarcely 
stand. She told tne I must not go, that I was too sleepy, I must 
go to bed ; scarcely knowing what I did 1 pulled otf my coat 
and vest and threw myself on the bed and went to sleep, when I 
awoke it was to a sense of the keenest pain, I seemed smarting, 
could it be I felt the lash, yes, writhing under its torture, as it 
way laid upon my flesh, I endeavored to rise,! could not move, the 
blotvs seemed to fall heavy and fast, but how could this be pos< 
sible, 1 had been too happy, I must be suffering under some 
dreadful disease, I thought I'had the nightmare, but then by this 
time 1 had gathered my scattered senses and remembered that I 
was in bed, and found that I was on my face, the sheet wound 
close about my head, my hands and feet tied fast to the bedstead, 
I remembp.red where I was, and our conversation, I then knew it 
v^as no nightmare, no dream, and I struggled with all my might 
to unwrap my head, at length I partly succeeded, and saw light 
again; the blows ceas d and oh horror' there ahe stood, she 
whose guest f was, and now her prisoner — even to this day, 
when I think of or relate this disgusting scene, the same feelings 
return, I felt sick at heart ; she soon spoke like this : sir, I have 
taken this plan to show you have a master, you have refused to 
give me any thing for yourself, just as I expected, though I 
thought I would try you ; you are so ungovernable that no one 
will buy you, and the people are fools enough to think that you 



34 

do not belong to us, but I bave got you now in my own power 
in spite of your fraud or cunning, and no craftiness of yours can 
release you, no indeed, nothing but your word that you will buy 
yourself will do; 1 will take your word for what a slave man is 
worth, and now promise me quickly, and be like an Indian in 
keeping your word, you would hate to own you was whipped 
by mc after you came out a line gentleman, and if you please I 
will say nothing about it, if not 1 will beat you until you are glad 
to promise. 1 then said are you prepared beastly woman to an- 
swer to God and man for my life* I now solemnly say, I will 
never promise that. She then saying, you are in my povv'er, 
began to lay on the blows — now that I discovered my foe had 
tied me, and my senses had returned, the reality of my disgrace- 
ful situation was plain before me, together wilh the smart of the 
keen lash seemed to give me lion-like strength, and with a few 
desperate leaps I succeeded in tearing the bedstead into pieces, 
breaking the cord that bound my feet, tearing up a cloth pair of 
pants for which I had just paid $17, wit!\ the part to which my 
hands were fastened I felled the old woman, leaving her to pick 
up herself, while J rushed to the door where 1 soon gnawed my 
right hand loose, and seeing a friend of hers coming to her at a 
distance, I picked up a piece o( brick and leveled him — my jaws 
and teeth were tired, and by way of experiment I found 1 could 
saw a rope in too with two bricks: I was soon loose but almost 
naked and bloody, with little hesitation I walked to her door it 
was locked, I picked up a stick of wood knocked in her window, 
and went in, got my coat and vest, but then I had no pants, I 
opened the drawer and took the suit she had shown me, dared her 
to naove while 1 washed and dressed in these clothes, and left 
the house forever. Officers tracked me, and 1 was brought to 
Natchez — my enemies now undertook to make me buy myself, 
saying let me be what I might I was given to them, and they 
had a right to me, and I could not be sold for I was well known, 
ray friends respected mo too much to buy me, and my enemies 
were afraid of me. 

I immediately left for Yicksburg, where there was a party 
given, and they hired me to play on the tlute, (or which ihey gave 
me $100 for the night. 1 had several good jobs here, when I 
was sent for to go to Natchez to play on the Fourth of July, ior 
which they gave me $50 — this pleased my friends as much as it 
gratified me. 1 returned to Vicksburg at^ter a week's visit here; 
stayed long enough to be highly received by Dr. Anderson's 
family, and Lawyer Harrison^s Son- in law, also by Mrs. Nartona, 
who lived a few miles back of Natchez, at whose house I had 



35 

often met with many ladies and gentlemen. 1 had many friends 
here, yet some of the lower class began to find fault with my 
visiting among them, and news began to circulate concerning my 
fate in Natchez. 

As things still remaineed unsettled I thought 1 would go still 
further up the IVlississippi river, and took passnge onboard steam- 
er George Washingron, Mr. l^gertun, Captain, and 1 take the 
liberty of saying he was on the eve of marriage with the ac- 
cumplished Miss Cathrine Old'arn, of Louisville, Ky., I was in- 
troduced to the family, and many of the first families of that 
city. The day for the marriage to take place was fixed, and I 
plnyed now and then for the Captain and Iiis lady love, to while 
iiway the time, which seemed to hang heavy on their hands, but 
the Wi dding day at length arrived, and a bright affair it was too; 
afterwards they went down to the George Washington and had 
a ball ; here my nmsic was just the thing, i here saw the Plon. 
Henry Clay for the first time, I knew nothing of politics but I 
was much pleased with the man himself. I went to a conven- 
tion of the whig party, Mr. Clay was the hero of the day. 

I kept a parlor open ior the reception of visitors, many came 
here to practise with me, and many more to listen to us — several 
young men put themselves under my tuition, and although I had 
never been taught myself, they progressed finely in their studies 
and I soon brought out, not only the best field music, but also 
for dinners, balls, cotilion and tea parties, weddings, &c. 1 be- 
came acquainted with the Hon. Mr. Morton, Gov. of Louisiana; 
he seemed to be beloved by all as well as myself, and before all 
parade days my name was circulated as unequaled — 1 was al- 
ways present at the Governor's review, receivmg presents and 
compliments from that worthy gentleman, with many public 
testimonials of regard — true, all were not my friends, and many 
reports followed me from Natchez here, as they have since done 
elsewhere, and belied by enemies, but my recommendations 
were such, that 1 was admitted, and received and treated with 
the respect due to a respectable white m.an. 

1 visited Bay St. Louis again and was welcomed by ihe citi- 
zens. When 1 visited a city 1 was lucky enough to find those 
whom 1 could esteem as friends, by playing some of their favo- 
rite melodies — thus wherever 1 roamed wilh this unseen key, 
did i unlock the heart of the stranger, and find the priceless 
treasure of a friend. O, where and what should 1 have been, 
had not nature implanted within me this clue to that changeable 
organ, the human heart— with it 1 could disarm envy, averl the 
eye of suspicion, and although not able, even yet, to clip the 



36 

tongue of scandal, yet have I trudged side by side with it, and 
gained more friends than it could make me enemies— when I 
returned, those of my acquaintance were very glad to gee me, 
it was near the hour for reviewing, and as I was riding through 
the city, I met a carriage full of friends, who being the first peo- 
ple of the United States, were at liberty to act as to them seem- 
ed best, without the fear of enemies ; they alighted iiom their 
carriage, and crowned me with a wrealh of flowers, thus testify- 
ing their regard for me, in honor of my uncultivated talents— 
this touched a tender chord in my bosom, and i mentally ex- 
claimed, what am I ! As I remembered the crown of thorns, it 
melted me even unto tears, and I feared that I had murmured 
withal ; a strange foreboding crept into my heart, and 1 felt to 
resign myself into the Hands of God, with contidence to believe 
that he in his own time would deliver me from this dreadful un- 
certainty. 

I first started on a teaching excursion, and went to fort James 
while the dispute was going on in Natchez about my indentures; 
my enemies said, let him go, I could not travel v/ithout some- 
thing stating who and what I was, but I did r:ot tliink so, for I 
had travelled even when a boy without any trouble, and I had no 
fear of trouble on that point. I proceeded from Fort Adams to 
Wardville, then returned to Natchez, iTom thence to Fayette, 
thence to port Gibson, where I became acquainted with a very 
excellent man by the name of John Fiecher, also Mr. Green - 
leaf and Mr. Bob Shelby, I also had the pleasure of meeting 
my friend, Bob Shelby, at Jackson, Mississippi, some time af- 
terwards, where I had gone to petition the legislature to grant 
me the privilege of living in the State without being brought 
under the laws enacted for the A frican race. I returned to 
Natchez, ever hoping that God would enable me to find some 
clue to dentify me as belonging to some family or tribe. 

While at Brandon, I made many enquiries about theChoctaws, 
found they lived still farther back. My horse having died the 
next day after I reached Brandon, I had to postpone journeying 
until my health was restored. I was ready to start two or three 
times, but something occurred to hinder me, and I began to con- 
sider that I had prolonged my slay longer than Tilr. McCafierey 
expected. I determined to return and finish my trade, hoping 
something would occur in my favor. I had seen several parties 
of Indians, who I promised to visit at Natchez. Before I re- 
turned, I made a firm promise to God, that if he would spare 
my health, I would finish my trade as soon as possible. Many- 
hours I occupied my mind in beating the tinie of some favorite 



37 

tune with my sledge hammer. I seemed to woik faster, and 
then it soothed the caie of my mind, serving to drive away an- 
gry and sorrowful thoughts. Soon after 1 returned, I was chosen 
to play for the Natchez Cadets, and they elected me Fife Ma- 
jor — o;ave me my uniform, and on the fourth of July, 1830 or 
'31, (if I mistake not,) my feelings were of mingled gratitude 
and pride, for as we marched through the street, I saw inorliHcd 
countenances on every hand — I received many congratulations 
from friends, and the highest hopes of the future took possession 
of my mind. I became a great Ihvorite, loved on one hand as 
strongly as I was haled— oppressed on the other. My boss soon 
noticed the manner I executed music with my hammer — it was 
commented upon by the workmen, comers and goers, and I 
could get a dime a tune, many times 50 cents, and keep at my 
work, throvv'ing in now and then some imitations — many horse 
shoes I made in this manner, and from my presents I managed 
to keep an extra suit of fashionable clothes, preterring white lin- 
nen for summer^ as it suited the redness of my skin, and when 
the shop was not crowded, I iiad the privilege of stopping at five 
or six o'clock, and taking a pleasant stroll with my triends, who 
seemed to vie with each other to cause me by their kindness to 
forgot the obscurity of my birth ; but it seemed to haunt most 
of my waking hours, otherwise 1 should have been as hanpy as 
need be. 1 still continued exercising music adding the clarionet 
to my practice. 

Late in the fall, some of tlie Indians I had seen at Brandon 
came to see me. i\Ir. McCafferey received them kindly — told 
me 1 was free for the day. I had the inexpressible pleasure of 
a walk with them through the principal streets, introducing them 
to friends, and as they were well behaved, we were invited to 
visit some of the Grandees, where they publicly acknowledged 
me. This was very gratifying, as enemies always looked 
black to see me \yalking or talking with respectable white people, 
but now they had no time to look this way, seeming not to see 
me. We returned to Mr. McCatTerey's, had something to eat 
and retired. On rising, I was warmly greeted by shopmafes, 
who told me my last march was the best one I ever made, but 
bnhind my back sotae white men who wished to see me held as 
a slave, sought out the Indians — said wiu'.e m^n no like black 
njan, he like Indian best, Eugh! All siient but the Indian and 
white man. Why you tell me this wiih a little hesitation. '! he 
white man answered, we see you Indians and slave boy walking 
together, eugh ! Again the white m m proceeded ; may be you 
no'know he slave. We tell you w-^ like Indian heap, eugh ! ]\q 



38 

is excuse, we no know he slave — may be you no know it — may 
be white man lie heap. They knew they alluded to me, and an- 
grily told them they wanted no believe, and soon left the city. 
Time moved on in this pleasant manner, without much interrup- 
tion. I was steady at work — was well treated — nothing of im- 
portance occurring that I need relate untill the next fallj except 
that I began to save my money and do extra jobs. Such mend, 
ing as I could do, my boss gave me pay, and making pot hooks, 
when one day my heart was gladdened as the sound of bobashe- 
lah (which is friend in Choctaw) fell on my ear- There was a 
large party camped on the bluff, and had sent these after. I was 
permitted to go after doing a job. I was very anxious to go, but 
. still when my work was done, I had not only the satisfaction of 
going, with the consent of all hands, but had their congratula. 
tions on being the cause of the approaching festivity as they were 
making great preparations. They came for me at the house ; 
I returned with them to the camp, from whence the whole com- 
pany proceeded through the principal streets ; 1 walked in front 
with the Chief, the oldest men followed next, the braves bringing 
up the rear. We walked quietly through the street, back to the 
camp, on the blufls ; there I spent three days before they would 
let me go ; they then conducted me home ; I waited at the door 
mail men women and children bade me adieu. I thought they 
done this to gratify themselves and please me, but I ibund it 
had a great bearing in the mind of many, knowing that one In- 
dian Com tell another, and they told all who met them that this 
brother's son may be Big Chief's son. They told me to learn 
my trade, and then come and see my people, and learn them. — 
My extra jobs b^.gan to increase so as to employ each moment. 
I had learned to make gridirons, tributes, or iron stands, &c.,and 
picked up all the scraps of Iron, saved all the old horse shoes 
about the shop, which I began welding together, working late 
and early, for business in mv line was increasing I soon finish- 
ed welding, and had iron enough to make a pair of shovel and 
tongs. My boss bought it for nails, giving me in return as much 
new iron, and enough over to make a pair of andirons. Wnen 
I got them finished, I received ^3 a piece for the three articles. 
iVIy health was good — strength increasing every day. In this 
manner five years passed away, which released me from my 
trade. Mr- McCatferey gave me a good suit of clothes, and by 
my own industry, and through his indulgence, I had saved $300. 
My friends had often told me to get papers or indentures to show 
I had served my trade and was released honorably. My boss 
was very willing, but some opposed itj and looked back on the 



39 

last five years, and felt I had enjoyed a sweet calm — my sky had 
long been clear — a cloud seemed gathering in the distance, from 
which a fearful storm arose. 

A friend otfered me a house on reat-onablo terms, which I 
fitted up with little expense, for my friends made me many pre- 
sents in the household line — the front room was fitted for a bar- 
ber shop. I hired a barber to carry it on, whose custom was 
quite extensive. Here I kept young bachelor's hall, being de- 
termined that the lessons I had taken in my adversity, should 
now be of some use to me. I served as market boy and cham- 
ber maid. 

I had marched a few times with the Natclies Fencibles whilo 
at my trade, as soon as free I took the command of their music, 
and now appeared with iae INatchez Guards. Soon after, Adam's 
Light Guards. This drew my acquaintance to my house — my 
prosperity seemed to gall my enemies sorely, so much so that I 
was often abused and insulted in the street by slaves and fiee, 
even at the head of companies. This was very painful to me, 
and served to mar the peace I had so long enjoyed, without much 
interruption. Some time had elapsed smce 1 lelt Mr. McCafTe. 
rey, and I had not got my papers yet — I was much opposed. — 
My enemies said that I could make monc^y fast, and could af- 
ford to buy myself of the woman, and thus settle the dispute). 
This mortified me very much ; indeed my feelings I do not at- 
tempt to describe. When 1 was waited upon for an answer to 
the degrading proposition, what! I with ihe consciousness of 
possessing a good heart, a fine mind ; nature having lavished on 
mtp talents of the h'ghest order, uncultivated ;is they were, they 
were beginning to be highly approved by many. Could I stoop 
to thi- ? 1 was exceedingly catefui in my manners, and now that 
the boy was somevvhat polished in the man, why should they 
persecute me still? I firmly refused them, not that 1 valued the 
money so much, no ; to have had them cease tormenting me I 
would not have begrudged twice the amount, but to have it said 
that I had to buy the flesh and blood that this lofty spirit — Oh ! 
horrible thought ! it stung my inmost soul, and almost maddened 
me ii;to despair ! 

My friends done all they cou'd for me ; I staid near three 
months, saving while there ,^300, besides a present of a new 
suit of clothes. It seeraed by an act of Congress all free people 
not white must pay license for living in the States. I was 
about returning to Natchez to make a visit among my friends ; 
some wished me never to go there again, but my mind led me 
back. I went; my enemies again beset m.e. Determined that 



40 

I should take out license in less than 23 hours or leave the State 
in three days. To live in the State, my friends said they (my 
enemies) were so ashamed to see me there at the dinner, they 
were trying to pay me back. It is with a heart overflowing w^th 
gratitude, that I remember my truest friend, not yet named, and 
if any of them peruse my book, and their name is missing, do 
not think it has no place in the heart. I was blessed with the 
friendship and advice of honorable Judge Edward Turner, Gen. 
John A. Quitman, also Mr. Ferraday, who gave me much good 
advice ; he washed me to go to England, and cultivate my talents, 
saying that there 1 could soon gain the good feelings of the 
people, earn a fortune and win a name that would gladden the 
heart of friends, and cause my enemies to blush- I was grieved 
in heart, and determined, license or no license, I would leave the 
State, for alttiough it was the supposed land of my birth, some 
of its sons were my bitter enemies. I had had the command of 
the Military Music — several colored men had applied fjr a place 
in the band, and on being refused would vent their spite on me, 
with their lists and canes. I paid several bills to the physicians 
from these assaults, but at length told them I had the receipt in 
the pain and bruisrs, and they must get their money from those 
to whom these liberties were allowed, or from their masters, who 
when they had the bills to pay, would put a stop to their outra- 
ges. I left the city, determined, though I had good friends there, 
to seek others abroad. 1 proceeded to New Orleans. I did not 
spend my money here, but soon made one dollar bring me two. 
I soon obtained the friendship of some influential persons there, 
who advised me to become a Machinist, and I was soon to set 
in for three years at finishing and fitting. 

Now that I knew what I was going to do, I thought I would 
go back to Natchez and settle up all and take a kind leave of my 
friends. 1 visited Mrs. Munse again, and her kind son-in-law, 
Mr. Cyrus Marsh, who had always been very kind indeed to me. 
I well recollect being in his debt ,^13 ; he told me to take any 
thing I needed ; it was late in the fall ; I was not yet of age, and 
was fixing for winter ; I was saving my money, and tried to get 
new jobs to pay for what I wanted. Mr. Marsh said he would 
find a way fo pay for it, but ii went on until I became uneasy 
and I went to him and offered the money, but he refused it, and 
said he was only trying my integrity — that he intended to make 
me a present of the things ; and now, said he, when you want 
any thing, come to me, I am your friend. 

While visiting my acquaintances, some of the gentlemen pro- 
posed that a petition should be drawn up, and let all the ladies 



41 

who wished me to stay sign their names, and have it pieciented 
at the Orphan's Coin t. Mr. Turner, the Judge, being my friend, 
1 was to live as themselves, having all the privileges of citizen- 
ship granted. They stated that 1 was not only worthy of cili/.en- 
ship, but of unexceptionable character; that it was greatly de- 
sired by the ladies that I should remain, and enjoy the liberty of 
a white citizen ; also all the Military Companies were very anx- 
ious for my stay, as I was of great use to them; my enemies 
said if I could get so many signers among the ladies they would 
give it up and say no more about it. I was willing to niake the 
trial and sure of success, gladly improved the opportunity of 
letting my enemies hear the high sounding titles of my friends. 
The aged Matron stepped l"orth to aid me — the Mother, the 
young and blooming Wife ; yes, many beautiful Maidens, blnsh- 
ingly added their names to my list ; all greeted me with wishes 
for success, and many tears were shed in supplication for me. 
My list was soon more than filled by dozens, but it was ail in 
vain that these kind ladies sent forth names to the public, for as 
soon as it was found that the number was more thtin filled, they 
flew from their word, and said they would take every advanliige 
the law allowed. Thus was I doomed to feel the ingratitude of 
man, because nature had made a red skin instead of a white one. 
My enemies thus persecuted me, but God turned it to my good- 
But did we know what hung over our heads, (referring to the 
awful tornado that laid that city lov/ a few years since) I could 
but exclaim. Oh I my native city, I have seen you blessed with 
riches and prosperity, and in my adversity you turned on me your 
back, and 1 have lived to see you prostrated, laid low by the hand 
of him who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. Oh ! that 
your sons had dealt in righteousness; that you might have es- 
caped this outpouring of the weather, or at Icastjiave been bet- 
ter prepared to meet your doom. iVy language cannot describe 
the leehngs of my heart, as I gazed from the hill down on the 
ruins. I was at the time the wind came, in the house of A. P. 
Merrill, in company with a relative of Mrs. Merrill, John Fran- 
cis Turault by name. As dinner was nearly ready, we saunter- 
ed out on the back gallery. I had made Mr. Merrill's little sons 
some pop guns, which he brought out. The balls were hanging 
on the China trees, and TurauJt bantered me to shoot at them 
with him. This w-as about half an hour before the storm. I 
noticed a peculiarity in the lightning that I had never observed 
before, isnd as I listened to the steady rolling of the deep toned 
thunder, a strange awe crept over me. I said to John Francis, 
listen, the inerry thunder can speak, and it is now admonishing 



42 

us that we are spending our time foolishly when we should be 
thinking about God. Poh ! nonsense, said he, we are only try- 
ing to raise enough to drown its bellowing ; -U had begun in the 
South, but was. fast spreading to the North. As it neared the 
West It commenced blowing hard, growing very dark. Mr. 
Merrill now came home«— haste had nearly exhausted his 
sirength — he stopped a moment on the gallery— the wind peem- 
ed to take away iiis breath ; I raised him up, caught him and 
rushed into the house. The table was set, and candies were 
lighted, because of the darkness. The ladies had fled up stairs, 
and now the wind came from the North, the low, angry voice of 
the thunder, sending dread into our very hearts — the house trem- 
bled so violently that I chose the open air, placing myself under 
the large Cedar tree, clasping it with my arms to keep my posi- 
tion. The heavens grew darker still, and day hght seemed 
shut out. I heard as it were a loud explosion over head — again 
louder, and the third one seemed not only to deafen us, but laid 
prostrate much of the city. The tall Cedar seemed kissing the 
earth in humble resignation to the will of its Maker. Ir^ a few 
moments the dreadful rage seemed somewhat abated, and 1 with 
difficulty reached the house, the door of which they had been 
unable to shut. All was upside down ; indeed the lights were 
extinguished, the dinner table was upset, leaving the dinner on 
the floor, and throwing the doors wide open, (even the folding 
doors in the parlor, in spite of the lock) the furniture was all out 
of place, and a great part of it lay in heaps in and about the 
stairway, even the dining table was there, the table cloth hanging 
in one of the hinges. The ladies could not get down, the win- 
dows were gone, tmd the beautiful curtains, which had cost $100, 
were also gone, although they were hung with golden rings, yet 
the tempest had torn them away ; the furniture was cleared 
from the stairway ; the ladies in sorrow and weeping descended 
to the scene of desolation, which but a few hours ago was filled 
with tranquil pleasure, yet we were filled with thankfulness that 
our lives were spared through this awful hour. 

1 remained in Natchez until the time appointed for com- 
mencing in a Foundry in New Orleans. 1 bade all adieu. 1 
returned, and was soon engaged in finishing^ and fitting, or as a 
JMachinist. I furnished my own sleeping room, and boardtd wiih 
my employer. On first visiting New Orleans, I played for the 
old Louisiana Guards, on an excursion on the 8ih of January, 1837, 
m which they had a sham battle, the first thing of the kind 1 had 
ever seen. I rendered them great satisfaction, and now on my 
return founi friends to greet me. 1 was steady at my post, and 
found time to do some extra jobs of forging, for which I received 



43 

pay. It was the custom of the city to parade on the first day of 
the month. My music was always solicited, and T loved to favor 
them with the' same, for in many an hour of trouhle, v/hen sus- 
pense seemed gnawinj^ at the very strings of my heart, did I pour 
into my instrument the deep emotions stirred within rne, from a 
heart warm and sensitive to a hiuh degree, nearly bursting at times 
with contending passions, at other times overllowing with grati 
tude for some friendly act- Then arose the soul iluilling tones and 
variations for which my i>er(ormance on the llutc haseince been so 
highly praised by all lovers of musi>'. 

1 soon attached myself to Chailer-i F. llosea's Company of 
Washington Guards. 1 discharged my duties honombly, and gain- 
ed the esteem of many warm hearted persons. The second sum- 
mer I resided in INew Orleans it was very warm and sickly, and 
consequently times were dull. I visited B,iy St. Louis, across Lake 
Pontchartrain, also Mobile, Alabama, making in-all a very pleasant 
summer. I was elected File Major for the Washington Battalion, 
Charles F. Hosea was Major. In this manner the three years pas- 
sed away ; afterwards I returned to Natchez, in order to visit my 
friends, many of whom 1 had neither seen or heiud from, during 
the Jast three years I spent some weeks there, and on preparing to 
return to New Orleans, was informed that the Nalchez Guards 
Avere goins: to Orleans to celebrate, and u>ished me to go and escort 
them To New Orleans. They gave this demonstration of their re- 
gard for me. 1 had left a man to fill my place in the Bftitallon, who 
had been under my tuition, although 1 had never been taught, (but 
am self-taught in every respect.) 1 proceeded with them lo New 
Orleans, attended the celelnation, and retumed with them to 
Natchez, where 1 remained a few weeks before returning to New 
Orleans. I had sometime before cultivated an acquaintance witu 
Mr. James F. Dakin, o( Louisiana, a young officer of high respec- 
tability, and rising higher and higher in ofhce, had carried Tvith 
him respect and admiration, and through his instrumentality I was 
elected Fife Major. I received a large compensation for my musi- 
cal services, also applause. 1 again stopped laboring. I sUuated 
myself very comfortably, kept bachelor's hall, and studied into my 
duties in order to acquit myself honorably. 



Tliis thrilling and deephj interesting sketch loill be continued 
in forthcoming numbers, and presented to the public in a neat 
and interesting form, Jrom Cameron's Steam Power Presses. 



/ 



c 



THRILLING SKETCH 



OF THE LlFi: OF THE 



TIICISIIED ClllFI OMH TtB 




ALIAS, WM. CaUBBEE, 



Son of the Hmd Chief, Moshokh Tabbce, of 
Choctaw JSatlon if Lallans, 



the 



EY 



REV. L. L. ALLEN, 



AUTHOIl OF « PEXCILLIXGS UPON THE RIO GRANDE," tVrc 



NEW YORK, 

1843. 



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